Kaushik Velendra is a London-based menswear designer, whose “trail blazing collections” are helping redefine and reshape men’s fashion.
Originally from Bengaluru in Southern India, Velendra became the first Indian-born student to graduate from the prestigious MA Fashion program at Central Saint Martins in 2019, and later had his graduate collection showcased during London Fashion Week. He was also shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2020, following the launch of his eponymous label in 2019.
‘Power dressing for Men and tailoring for the future.’
With an instinctive appreciation for impactful clothing, the allure of Kaushik’s designs lies in the artist’s desire to create clothing that instils a sense of power and confidence, whilst being inclusive to all genders and sizes.
Recognised for creating a brand that redefines the modern codes of tailoring, Velendra has garnered exceptional industry reviews and recognition, from publications including from The New York Times, Vogue, GQ India, ELLE and WWD.
Kaushik Velendra AW22 ‘Dreams’
With his refreshing and inclusive perspective, Velendra continues to forge what he describes as a new “paradigm of traditional tailoring combined with innovative construction and aesthetic” with the launch of his AW22 ‘Dreams’ collection.
“It’s menswear, but it’s also secretly womenswear. It can be worn by anyone regardless of gender,” Kaushik says of the collection in conversation with Vogue India. “From the sound of the zip to the way each garment sits on the body, everything has been looked into to make the wearer feel a sense of power and belonging.”
“It was about letting each person feel like they could be the best version of themselves, wherever they come from. Pick a country, pick a season, pick an outfit – it works.”
We caught up with Kaushik Velendra for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Old bond Street, Soho, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.
Favourite place for brunch:
I very much enjoy visiting The Mandrake Hotel.
Best coffee in London:
The Grosvenor Hotel – Starbucks, saves my morning!
Favourite gallery or museum:
The Tate Modern, and The Museum of Coventry to view the ‘Daniel Lismore: Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Already Taken’ exhibition.
Tell us a secret:
I don’t sketch… well not as often as I would like to!
Favourite place to shop:
Harrods – they have everything I am looking for.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
My gym is where the inspiration strikes.
Best London destination for a date:
My rooftop.
Favourite park:
Hyde Park because it’s convenient and big.
Favourite food market:
Broadway Market, for the array of food choices available and also Old Spitalfields Market.
Your sanctuary in the city:
My gym.
What inspires you?
People! Their stories, their lives, fitness, muscles and ambience.
This season I’m loving…
A new beginning, tying everything up, the brand’s identity, supporting all walks of life, colours, being able to bring the whole world together, being able to create something that is universal for everyone and post-pandemic ways of accessibility inclusivity.
